Spending yearly salary on bike

[Harish]

Hey folks, I'm thinking of buying a bike that costs about 12‑13 lakh and I'd put roughly half as down payment. My salary is around 1 lakh a month and my fixed outgo is at most 20 k. I don't see any immediate strain and I plan to take a loan for the rest for a year.

The down payment will still leave me with an emergency fund for about 5‑6 months.

As you can guess, this isn't a need‑based buy – I just don't want to miss the chance.

My parents suggest buying land instead, which feels more sensible with a 3‑4 year loan, but I'm not keen on a long‑term EMI right now.

If anyone has done a purchase this big compared to their salary, please share your thoughts.

[Isha]

I'm not against the idea – we all need something to look forward to.

Have you factored in the running, upkeep and maintenance costs and how they hit your budget? If you're comfortable after that, go ahead.

I'm not a fan of land or real‑estate for investment, and the markets look shaky short‑term, so if you're risking money, at least get something you'll enjoy.

[Ronit]

Which bike are you riding now? 12‑13 L sounds steep – there are plenty of options like the Duke 390 that you could try first.

Also, financially, how much savings do you have? Just a 5‑6 month emergency fund may not be enough.

[Arnav]

I'd say spend more and get a litre‑class bike if you're already willing to spend 13 L, but ride safely.

[Gopal]

BMW GS 850?

[Hemant]

Buy the bike and the land. Take both on loan with a low EMI and clear them slowly.

[Tejas]

What advice are you looking for?

[Arjun]

Totally get the emotional side – dreams matter and the FOMO feels real when you think you must decide now. But the math is worth a look: a 13 L bike can lose 25‑30 % in the first year, plus insurance and maintenance can run 10‑15 k a month depending on use. You're keeping an emergency fund, which is solid, but a 1‑year EMI on a depreciating asset means you're paying interest while that 6 L down payment could have grown over 3‑5 years. If you can't wait, consider a used bike in the 6‑7 L range – the depreciation hit is already taken. Or give yourself six months; the urgency often fades once you sit with it. Not saying don't buy it, just making sure it doesn't eat into your runway later.

[Gaurav]

Think about these points:

• How often will you take long trips on the bike?
• Do you really need a high‑end bike when there are cheaper alternatives?
• Can you comfortably cover insurance, maintenance, fuel and part‑replacement costs?
• Do you have emergency funds and investments, and could you wait a few years and save up instead of taking a loan?

Note: I have a Himalayan 450 and go on rides too.

[Arnav]

I was also planning an expensive bike, but I changed my mind and went for one under 5 L because my goal is to explore remote areas and nature, and I need service centres everywhere in India.

If I'd listened to my parents, I'd have taken the land and a decent bike, since Indian roads aren't really ready for high‑end machines and the maintenance and spare‑part costs can be steep.

For example, my current bike's service is about 3‑5 k, but a bike like the Z900 you're eyeing could cost 15‑20 k for service. Even an oil change can run 15 k.

[Radhika]

Buying a vehicle on loan is a bad idea – you'll find many people doing it.

Save up, say 24 L cash, and then buy a 12 L bike. You'll see how long it actually takes to save that amount.